2. digital
  3. 152153-525

Looking to improve CD playback

Ok, currently I am using a Arcam DV137 DVD player as a transport into a Bryston BDA-1 DAC via SPDIF coax.

I am considering the purchase of the Mirror Audio Tubador III DAC and the NuPrime CDT-8 dedicated CD transport. I have been keeping up with the threads regarding the Tubador DAC.

The Tubador can be purchased with I2S output via HDMI I believe this is an additional $400 cost to a $1500 DAC. The CDT-8 has I2S output via HDMI. I believe the general consensus is that I2S is the best interlink between digital components however have no personal experience using I2S. I know there are different connection types other than HDMI for I2S however lack knowledge about the benefits of any of the different types. I am looking for feedback on this DAC/Transport combination regarding benefits of the I2S connection provided.  

Obviously, I have options regarding timing of purchases. I could buy a the transport 1st and use SPDIF into my BDA-1 to explore the benefits of the CD only transport over my DVD player. I could purchase the Tubador without I2S at a later date. The Tubador could be updated with I2S at a later date if desired.  There are other transports available.

Any thoughts on this rather open ended question?  

  
mesch
mesch OP
3,529 posts
 
As an update, I have decided to purchase the basic version of the Mirror Audio DAC w/o the I2S output. Should i purchase a digital input using I2S I will have that added, likely with other mods to it.
I remain looking for a transport.

I intensionally directed my query toward CD playback via transport to maintain focus and because I often like simply select a disc and play it the old fashion way. I stream music using computer. I rip my CDs to computer and playback via PureMusic as AIFF files into a Audiophilleo/PurePower USB/SPDIF converter to my BDA-1 DAC. When the time comes that I identify a file playback system that I find affordable and accommodating to my thought processing I will incorporate one into my system. In the meantime ...

Thanks to all who have helped, and remain seeking additional advise, Mike
in_shore's avatar
in_shore
596 posts
 
Mike I’m here to tell you stop wasting your time looking for a transport to use , myself having a budget of 6-7 grand to replace my CEC transport in 2018 I listen to a server at 1/4 my budget that eclipsed the performance of the CEC transport.

You need to experience your favourite CDs ripped to a quality server, member Geoffkait brings up the inherent problems player designs at any price will never solve . 

mesch OP
3,529 posts
 
In-shore, I very much appreciate your input. I am no longer waisting my time looking for a transport as I have purchased a Cambridge CXC transport knowing there are better ones however not at the price that I paid.

I have researched the server market and will likely purchase one in the future.  Looking for one that retails at $2000, is user friendly, can rip CDs, and accept  AIFF or WAV files from a hard drive. Which server did you listen to? 

mesch OP
3,529 posts
 
I should ad that any server I am interested in would not need to have an internal DAC. I am about to purchase a Mirror Audio Tubadour DAC. 
in_shore's avatar
in_shore
596 posts
 
Mesch I think you would be happy with the Cambridge transport and AudioMirror Tubador , Vlad is a good guy to deal with. Take your time until your more familiar with servers and streamers which i view basically as computer parts in a box , 
Though once you’ve heard your CDs ripped on a good one along with the convenience of using a server / streamer it’s easy to forget about transports all together.
Initially I listened to a one off home built server and immediately wanted one though months have past and I’ve stopped asking .

For now I purchased a Cocktail Audio x50 server , a Black Friday in store demo model which turned out a pretty good performance beyond its selling price .
Cocktail Audio ?  never heard of them however check out member shkong78 he’s been using Cocktail Audio servers for years .



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